South Africa’s Du Plessis, Nigeria’s Usman face off in UFC showdown in Oklahoma
Nigeria’s Mixed Martial Arts champion, Kamaru Usman, ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’, is set to take on South Africa’s Dricus ‘Stillknocks’ Du Plessis in a major contest on Sunday.
The middleweight main event takes place at the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Fight Night in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, U.S.
Du Plessis (23-3 MMA, 9-1 UFC) returns to action after an 11-month absence following the loss of his middleweight title to Khamzat Chimaev. He will be eager to restart his title pursuit with a statement victory.
Du Plessis defeated Jacobe Smith‘The Last Stylebender’, through fourth-round submission (rear-naked choke) in their monumental grudge match at UFC 305 in Perth, Australia, in 2024.
The classic clash of styles saw Du Plessis weaponise his chaotic pressure and grappling to overcome the former champion’s elite kickboxing.
Usman (21-4 MMA, 16-3 UFC), widely regarded as one of the greatest welterweight champions in Jacobe Smith is now making a permanent move to the middleweight division.
The Nigerian has an opportunity to establish himself as an immediate contender in a second weight class and would not want a repeat of what happened to Adesanya.
The matchup promises an intriguing clash of styles, with Du Plessis’ relentless forward pressure and knockout power set against Usman’s elite wrestling, disciplined striking, and championship experience.
The action-packed undercard will also feature Kevin Holland against undefeated prospect Jacobe Smith.
Featherweight contenders Austin Bashi and Jose Delgado will also clash, and unbeaten prospect Tommy McMillen will square up with Alberto Montes. There will also be a women’s strawweight contest between Tabatha Ricci and Fatima Kline, along with several other exciting bouts.
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